Interview with Alena Swanson

1. Tell us a little about yourself and your company. What made you want to start your company?

I felt like there was a gap in the industry. I was planning my wedding and then working for a wedding venue and in both circumstances, I saw there was no planner with impeccable attention to detail, customer service, quality, ethics, reliability, and heart. I knew I was all of those things and could be the best planner around.

2. What do you love to do when you’re not at work?

I’m almost never not working…. but when I’m not working on weddings, I’m working on Ruach, a spiritual formation business and community, or walking my dog, or traveling.

3. How long have you been in business?

Over 7 amazing years

4. How do you hope your company will look in 5 years?

I would love to take over the Southwest. I want to plan more destination weddings in Colorado, Texas, and Arizona. I love New Mexico, but the challenge and fun of traveling is one of my favorite things. I am also thinking about training a few mini-me’s…

5. What would your ideal event look like? What would it include?

A couple that is incredibly in love, an all star team of wedding pros, a rockin’ DJ, smiles all around, great food, and incredible weather with a stunning sunset.

6. What makes you’re company unique/different?

No one else can be me. I don’t hire any other planners, so you know when you hire Alena Swanson LLC, you get Alena. If something tragic happens to me, my husband has people on speed dial, but it’s almost a guarantee that you’ll get me 100% of the time, from beginning to end. No hand-offs.

7. What do you love most about weddings/events?

So many things. My soft spot right now is that I always seem to tear up at the father-daughter dance…or the toasts. I love hearing from a couple’s friends and family all the funny stories and about how amazing they are together.

8. What tips do you have for clients?

As a bride myself- 2 things… I think having a day of coordinator you click with is priceless, and the expense of a wedding video is totally worth every penny. I’ve been married for two years and already, someone who is in our video is no longer with us. But we can watch grandma and grandpa dance anytime and show our children someday. Footage of your grandparents smiling and dancing before they go to heaven- there are no words….

9. What is something you hate seeing in your industry?

I’m all about relationships and being genuine. I hate when people are fake or lie about what they can accomplish well. I hate when people/companies are luke-warm or half-invested. I believe in knowing and sticking to my boundaries so that I will only agree to working a wedding that I know I will rock at. If I can’t do it and knock your socks off, I’ll say so, and send you to someone who can.